Fitness
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How Do I Choose the Best Glutathione with Vitamin C?

Emma Miller
Emma Miller

There are several factors to consider when choosing the best glutathione with vitamin C supplement, including choosing a dose that is considered safe and a form of drug delivery that offers good absorption. Both compounds are powerful antioxidants that may support immune system function. Glutathione is not easily absorbable through the gastrointestinal tract, however, so injections of glutathione and vitamin C offer the best absorption for both substances.

A number of chemical reactions take place in the human body every day and a natural by-product of these reactions are cells known as free radicals. These are reactive and can cause oxidative damage to healthy cells. This type of cellular damage may be worsened by high levels of environmental pollutants and may be linked to a number of disease processes, such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. Antioxidants like glutathione with vitamin C are molecules that protect cells against oxidative damage by inhibiting the action of free radicals. Some experts believe that supplemental antioxidants may help to neutralize free radicals, especially during periods of increased physical or psychological stress.

Injectable gluthathione is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
Injectable gluthathione is used to treat Parkinson's disease.

A peptide synthesized in the body, glutathione is important for proper immune system function and can help combat oxidative damage. Scientific studies indicate the compound cannot be sufficiently absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally, oral supplements are largely ineffective at boosting glutathione levels and having an antioxidant effect. Inhalable or injectable compounds appear to have better absorption.

Some vitamin C supplements may contain other nutrients such as glutathione.
Some vitamin C supplements may contain other nutrients such as glutathione.

Vitamin C is a water-soluble compound, so it is excreted when intake surpasses the body’s needs for the nutrient. It is commonly found in fruits and vegetables and is highly absorbable in capsule or pill form. The recommended dose of glutathione supplements is 600 mg a day, while typical doses for vitamin C range from 1000-2000 mg a day. In addition to supplementation of these substances for other medical conditions, physicians sometimes use injectable glutathione as part of a treatment regimen for Parkinson’s disease. Medical studies show people with Parkinson’s tend to have low levels of the peptide and boosting levels through supplementation may slow down progression of the disease.

Counseling and medication may be used to treat the emotional symptoms of Parkinson's.
Counseling and medication may be used to treat the emotional symptoms of Parkinson's.

In high doses, glutathione may lead to skin lightening and dermatologists may use it for this purpose. To ensure maximum bioavailability and absorption of both compounds, glutathione with vitamin C may be given in an injectable form by a qualified medical professional. Supplementation can have side effects like nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. Injectable glutathione with vitamin C compounds are usually given through an intramuscular injection or an intravenous infusion, and, like with all injections, there is a very small risk of infection at the injection site.

Discussion Comments

SteamLouis

@ddljohn-- It's probably best to take glutathione and vitamin C separately. I realize you don't like taking separate pills but it's difficult to find the right qualities all in one capsule or tablet.

You're right that 400mg of glutathione is the start out dose for most brands. Also, the glutathione has to be reduced and sublingual to actually be effective. It gets destroyed by stomach acid if it's taken the normal way. As far as I know, there isn't a glutathione supplement out there that's reduced, sublingual, at a good dose and supplemented with vitamin C.

bluedolphin

@ddljohn-- 200mg of glutathione is not bad. Mine has only 50mg of glutathione. It also has 500mg of vitamin C and 200mg of L-cysteine though.

My options were more limited because I'm vegetarian, so I was looking for veg caps. But honestly, even this amount of glutathione has made me healthier. I feel more energetic and my skin has been looking great lately.

ddljohn

Glutathione is a very beneficial antioxidant. It's recommended to clear the body of free radicals. The sources I've looked at mention that glutathione works best when taken together with vitamin C. I hate taking lots of pills, it's difficult enough for me to remember to take one. So naturally, I started looking for a glutathione supplement with vitamin C included.

I found a few brands. One was good but it didn't have as much vitamin C as I expected. The other had equal amounts of both glutathione and vitamin C but both at 200mg, which is really not much. Glutathione supplements without the vitamin C usually start out at 400 or 500mg capsules.

I decided to go ahead with the combined glutathione and vitamin C supplement. The only downside is that I go through it more quickly because I have to take more capsules then I would otherwise.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Injectable gluthathione is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
      By: marilyn barbone
      Injectable gluthathione is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
    • Some vitamin C supplements may contain other nutrients such as glutathione.
      By: WuTtY
      Some vitamin C supplements may contain other nutrients such as glutathione.
    • Counseling and medication may be used to treat the emotional symptoms of Parkinson's.
      By: Rob
      Counseling and medication may be used to treat the emotional symptoms of Parkinson's.
    • Glutathione and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants that can help boost the body's immune system.
      By: skyfotostock
      Glutathione and vitamin C are powerful antioxidants that can help boost the body's immune system.
    • Vitamin supplements are not meant to be an alternative to eating a variety of healthy foods.
      By: Melpomene
      Vitamin supplements are not meant to be an alternative to eating a variety of healthy foods.
    • In higher doses, glutathione with vitamin C can cause nausea and indigestion.
      By: nebari
      In higher doses, glutathione with vitamin C can cause nausea and indigestion.
    • Glutathione with vitamin C may be administered via injection by a medical professional.
      By: Andrei Tsalko
      Glutathione with vitamin C may be administered via injection by a medical professional.